A lot of people here in the Philippines are shocked that I don’t give Andrea vitamins. Multi-vitamins and Vitamin C supplements (think Ceelin) have become so ingrained into the Philippine culture that a lot of mothers cannot even fathom not giving vitamins to their kids.
A question posted in one of the comments by MM prompted this post. I’ve been asked this before and I thought writing a post as opposed to just replying to the comment would be better.
Here are my reasons:
1. Vitamins are supplements and are supposed to be given when you think your child is not given enough nutrients.
2. It’s only in the Philippines where vitamins are prescribed for ALL babies regardless of food intake.
3. For infants, the nutrients they get from their milk should be more than enough.
4. Andrea’s food intake is very very consistent regardless of her health. She could have colds or cough but she would still consume the same amount of milk. No need for any supplement to help with her nutrition or her appetite.
5. Andrea’s diet is still relatively healthy. She doesn’t eat fast food or any junk. She doesn’t even eat sweets like cakes, candies, chocolate.
6. I believe in keeping everything Andrea eats or ingests as natural as possible. I know that vitamins are healthy but (doctor Marj correct me if I’m wrong) I seem to remember reading that this is still processed by her liver and I don’t want to put unnecessary stress on any of her organs.
Please don’t assume that I’m telling everyone to stop giving vitamins to their babies, I don’t want to be held accountable for your baby’s health. =) I consulted two pedias and read oodles of resources before making this decision. I also had to make that commitment of making sure that Andrea’s diet is very healthy and complete with veggies, calcium, iron and protein.
I have an agreement with my pedia that if ever Andrea’s appetite changes or if Andrea starts showing preference for certain kinds of food and starts ignoring others then we’ll give her vitamins, meanwhile…she’s vitamin free.
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September 30, 2008 at 4:44 am
Marj
Most medications are processed through the liver and some through the kidneys. I myself do not give Rachel any vitamins except the first few months and I was giving it for the Vitamin D since I was breastfeeding.
I intially gave iron drops to rachel as well, again because I was breastfeeding and she is not receiving adequate amounts of iron through breastmilk after 6 motnhs old. But once she started eating more solids, I discontinued that as well. My reason, the cereal that she eats supplies 90% of the iron that she needed, thus no use to supplement anymore. We give Vit C with the iron because iron gets better absorbed with vit C.
Don’t worry, as long as your Andrea is fine, don’t dfeel compelled to give vitamins.
September 30, 2008 at 4:50 am
Jen
we gave erynne vitamins when she was younger but it wasn’t on a consistent basis. it was whenever we were in the mood or if the vitamins were in front of our faces.
and even if i notice that she has food preferences (therefore lacking in other nutrients, i still don’t give vitamins on a daily basis. maybe one every few months.
eric doesn’t like this bec he’s all about vitamins from a-z.
i finally asked erynne’s pedia if vitamins were really necessary — NO. she claims they don’t really do anything.
but i wish i had your discipline in making sure everything that erynne puts into her mouth was HEALTHY
you’re awesome.